The Pacer Nationals being held at McCrae Yacht Club are shaping up to be a close battle. After the first three races, local sailors Alan and Nathan Riley are sitting in first position but on equal points with Phil 'Pencil' Chadwick and Jack Chadwick from Black Rock Yacht Club. McCrae Yacht Club members Murray and Liam O’Brien are in third just four points behind the leaders. Can the McCrae sailors use their local knowledge to beat the legendary Phil Chadwick who has won the Nationals the last two years?

Making the move from International 14’s to Pacers has brought a different perspective to regattas for Chadwick as he sails with both his son and daughter, although this time Bridget is sailing as crew for Molly Ford in the green fleet. Indeed many crews in the Nationals have a parent as skipper and sons, daughters, nephews, and nieces as crew providing a great family sailing experience.

The fleet sailed two short races in the morning and a longer race in the afternoon, with just 10 points separating the first five boats at the end of the day.